2nd February 2023

We will fill this building with music and laughter!

Salisbury's dementia centre is nearing completion with preparations underway for a spring opening.  

People living with dementia across South Wiltshire are being invited to get in touch to see if they would benefit from joining the centre's new day club.

Scots House, in the heart of the city, has been transformed to create the purpose-designed day club and information centre. The kitchen is installed and builders are putting finishing touches to fixtures and fittings following a fundraising appeal to renovate and equip the new centre.

Community fundraiser, Rachel Fear said: "We have been overwhelmed with the incredible support we have received from so many individuals and businesses in the Salisbury area who have held events for us or made donations to our appeal. We have also had amazing volunteers painting and decorating the interior." 

The club's first manager, Heidi Bradley, has been joined by newly-appointed support workers Sue Lancaster and Kate Hopkins and the team are excited to be bringing our award-winning day care to Salisbury.

Kate said: "We are looking forward to putting our mark on this place; we will fill this building with music and laughter."

There are more than 1,600 people living with dementia in the city, so Alzheimer's Support is eager to hear from anyone who would like to join the club. Get in touch if you would like any more information.

About Scots Lane day club

The club will open four days a week from Tuesday to Friday, providing a stimulating environment for people living with dementia while giving family carers a full day's break.

A home-cooked lunch will be served each day and members can enjoy activities tailored  their own interests. General activities will include art therapy, cookery, board games, reminiscence, dance, gentle exercises and much more, alongside plenty of chat and laughter. 

As with Alzheimer's Support's exisiting clubs in Trowbridge, Warminster and Devizes, the community will be invited in, with regular visits from local musicians and school children, and of course Alzheimer's Support's own therapy whippets Higby and Dottie and by a rota of volunteer dogs.

There is so much need in this area - help and companionship are vital.

Jan Marks from Salisbury, who lives with early-onset Alzheimer's is lookng forward to being one of the first to benefit from the new club.

Her husband Graham said: “We want Jan to be able to go out and experience the new club. You can read a lot about dementia, but until you experience what we’re going through you don’t know how desperate things can be. I see this club as a fundamentally necessary service. There is so much need in this area - help and companionship are vital.

"I also know I need some brief respite. In this situation, if the carers can’t cope, or don’t get a break, it’s a disaster."

Join the team - volunteer with Alzheimer's Support!

Volunteers are a crucial part of the day clubs, so Alzheimer's Support are looking for people who are happy to give their time and energy to help us make a difference in the club. It's a great way to meet people, experience new things, add skills to your CV, and make a real difference. If you'd like to volunteer at Scots Lane, please contact Annie Clayton, the dedicated volunteer manager.

Donate to the Scots Lane appeal

More about day care at Alzheimer's Support